Telecommunication and Internet Facilities in Goa.

Most telecommunication and internet facilities in Goa are just about Ok! BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Aircell, TataIndicom are generally the service providers. Internetcafe's are generally found all over, rates are in the range of Rs.25 to Rs.30 per hour.
It is recommended to avoid purchasing any facilities from TataIndicom shopee in Comba, Margao as the customer invariably lands in trouble after purchasing any facilities. The services provided are extremely poor, after sales services are nil.

Entrance to the Ramnath Temple

This is the entrance to the Ramnath Temple. If you have been successful in getting a reasonable parking space at Shantadurga Temple, you can have a 10 min walk to the Ramnath Temple, provided its not too hot. The reason I suggest this is that you will come across a lush green field on the way and literally smell the fresh air. April, May and October are the months to avoid. First, it is very hot and secondly it is crowded by the Indian tourist because of school vacations during  these months. On the top of the mountain you see a lovely church. The Ponda area with its majestic temples is lush green during the rainy seasons commencing from July until September.

Ramnath Temple, Ponda

This is the Ramnath Temple in Ponda, Goa. Also called Ramnathi in the local language. Very close to Shantadurga Temple Kavlem, you have seen in the last post. In fact it is a 10 min walk. Parking space is far better than at Shantadurga Temple. Canteen and accommodation is available within the temple premises. Though this temple is just 10 min away from the Shantadurga Temple, somehow it is far less crowded than the Shantadurga Temple. Once inside the temple, the environment is the same you seen in the previous temples.

This is the Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem in Ponda which has been relocated and rebuilt, this was once ruined by the Portuguese. This temple is extremely crowded during the period March until begining of June and then from October unitl January. There are drinkingwater, toilet and canteen facilities available within the temple premises. Accommodation is also available. Photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Shantadurga Temple Kavlem

The city of Ponda located in south Goa is popular with the tourist for its majestic temple. There plenty of them but the main tourist attraction are the Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem, Ramnath Temple at Ramnathi and the Manguesh Temple at Mangueshi. All are located in close vicinity. Ponda is well connected by road from Margao and Panjim which is the capital city of Goa. Ponda is located approximately 28 km southeast of Panjim and approximately 17 km northeast of Margao. Once you are in Ponda city assuming you have taken the bus ride, you should first visit Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem, there are local buses which take you to Kavlem this should take you around 10 to 15 min from the city. Beware of parking problems at the entrance to the temple. What you see in this picture is the Deepstambh at the entrance to the temple.

Direct Flights from Goa to UAE and Qatar

There are not many direct flights from Goa to the middle east.

The most popular direct flights connecting Goa to UAE and Qatar are the following;

Qatar Airways

Flight QR 225 from Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) to Doha International Airport (DOH) departure at 4.30 AM India time, arrival at Doha 5.35 AM Qatar time. This flight operates on all days of the week, this is subject to change.

Flight QR 224 from Doha International Airport (DOH) departure at 9.30 PM Qatar time, arrival at Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) 3.30 AM India time. This flight operates on all days of the week, this is subject to change.

Air Arabia

Flight G90492 from Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) departure at 4.20 AM India time, arrival at Sharjah 6.00 AM UAE time. This flight operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this is subject to change.

G90491 from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) to Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) departure at 10.55 PM UAE time, arrival at Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) 3.40 AM India time. This flight operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, this is subject to change.

Birds of Goa

Besides picturesque landscapes, hils, plateaus, marshes, beaches, temples, churches Goa is also home to many varities of birds. Kingfisher being the most famous one. Many birding tours are available for the bird watchers. Goa has the migratory birds, acquatic birds, nesting birds etc. Besides the known places for bird viewing the interiors of Goan villages are full of beautiful birds. The best time to enjoy the birds singing is early morning and evenings when it is the time for the birds to retire in their nests. The bird you see here was peeping through my window and I was very fortunate to catch it on my camera.